Device for quickly finding harmonious color combinations



Feb. 12 1924;

- H. TANNER DEVICE FOR QUICKLY FINDING HARMONIOUS COLOR COMBINATIONS Filed Jan. 5, 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 12, 1924; 1,483,529

H. TANNER DEVICE FOR QUICKLY FINDING HARMONIOUS COLOR COMBINATIONS Filed Jan. 5, 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 3

Feb. 12, 1924. r H. TANNER DEvICE FOR QUICKLY FINDING HARMONIOUS COLOR COMBINATIQNS Filed Jan. 5, 1920 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 atented Feb. 12, 1924.

'HERMANH Tammie, or smnnnn, swrrznnnm.

DEVICE FOR QU ICKLY FINDING HARMONIOUS COLOR." COMBINATIONS.

Application filed January 3, 1920. SerialNo. 349,228.

To all whom it mayconoern:

Be*' it known that .I, HERMANN TANNER, a citizen of Switzerland, and 'residing at, Samaden, Switzerland, have invented certain newand useful Improvements in'a Device for Quickly Finding Harmonious Color Combinations, of which the following is a statement. J

When several colors appear simultaneously and their color efiect (the consonance of their tones or the totality of their brightness) has an agreeable efiect on the eye, these colors are said to harmonize. dustrial practice it is, now, of great importance to secure a full harmony, whereever colors come into question.

If suitably educated, a man, having a normal sense for color, may combine ,by himself colors producing a harmonious ef fect. Most people, however, lack this capacity.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device which will allow of finding in a most simple. convenient and quick manner color combinations of a harmonious effect, or to ascertain for one or several givencolors other colors or color cognbinations of asu plementing and harmonious character, which will meet'both the normal I sense of color and also the law of color harmony. I

The device according to the present invention consists of a color dial, arranged on some known color theory, over which a sys tem of indicators are movable, the markings on which meet, as regards number and harmonious arrangement of the colors on,

pitch, the same law, which determinethe the dial, so that when one of said markings is set to any of the initial colors, the other markings will point to colors on the said dial, which harmonize with said initial color in a double or multiple chord.

In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 illustrates a form of the device with a circnlar color dial. Fig. 2 is a cross section through Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is the dial alone in which'besides the pure colors also a number of shades have been embodied, mixed For in-- 2. Mixed colors:

with white, black or gray, respectively.

.Figs. 4 and 5 are plain and cross" section,

respectively, of a rule-like form of the color dial with'an endless indicator system. Figs. 6 and 7 are, likewise, plan and cross-section of a third form of the device, in which both the dial and the indicator system are of a rulelike shape.

In Fi 1 and 2 A is a color disc, carrying a co or dial divided in a radial manner similar to a compass rose, having, for example, 96 sectors, numbered consecutively, and showing a different color tone.

Colors are divided, according to the 3- color theory into: v

1. Pure colors:

(a) The three primary orfundamental colors: red, yellow, blue.

(b) The secondary colors as obtained by mixing two primary colors: orange, green, violet.

.(0) The other indefinitely dividable in termediate colors. (d) Color shades obtained by diluting or thinning pure colors.

(a)' The secondary colors mixed with white. p

(b) The secondary colors mixed with black.

(0) The secondary colors mixed with gray (d) Color shades obtained by diluting or thinning mixed colors.

Combinations of colors blend or tute a harmony:

(a) By twos, as complementary colors.

(6) By threes or more, in triplepquadruple, quintuple, sextuple, or multiple color consti combinations.

(0) When, with a given color (that is. one that is at hand), there are coordinated therewith or arranged closely adjacent thereto, colors of a similar shade, tone or tint, in such amanner of relation to one another that the proportional resplendence, brilliancy, brightness, warmth and clear- Yness existing among or embodied in the respective colors, shades, tones and tints pass over and flow or run and become merged into an entirety of pleasing gradations of light'and shade.

Accordingly, the primary or basic colors are arranged, on the color-dial, at three trisecting divisions of the circle; that is to say, red at the numeral 96, yellow at 32 and blue at 64- the secondary colors orange, green and violet lie exactly midway between these points, respectively, therefore, at 16, 48 and 80, whereby a division of the circle into six equal portions arises.

Between these primer and secondary colors, the intermediate co ors are subjected to a correspondingly mathematically-exact dis 'tribution, that is to say, division.

In order now that, with the indicator-device or contrivance, there may be determined the second, third, fourth, fifth, etc., color that harnionizes or blends with a given or predetermined shade of color, there is arranged, upon the indicator-device, for every such regular grouping or comparison of color-tones, to form a double, triple, quadruple, quintuple', sextuple, etc., blend, a system of interrelated markings, which stand,

amon themselves, in the same mathemati- 'cal re ation as do the oppositely-lying intertive ly. Lyingvals or distances betweenthe colors on the color-dial. i

So, as is illustrated in Fig. 1, the indicator-device comprises a suitably transparentdisk B that is rotatable and 'is placed concentrically over the color-disk A. The indicator-disk B bears imprinted, impressed or otherwise marked thereon, a regular sixpointed star which is formed by the intersection of the sides of two oppositely-lying equilateral triangles one of which is superposed upon the other and the points or angles of which are identified in the drawings by the letters C, D, E, and F, G, H, respecalmost wholly within. this six-pointed star, there is drawn a five-pointed star J the points of which are marked K, L, M, N, 0, respectively. In this five-. pointed star J, there is put a square P that is set upon, or restsupon, one of its corners, which are designated Q, R, S, '1. From the ppint F 'to the point C, there runs an arrow From the common center of all the fig ures just mentioned, there radiate six lines which form a bundle or group V of rays and which, at the center, subtend e ual angles. The prolongations of these ines or rays are half way between theadjacent points of, the six-pointed star, which lies in the same straight line with the point K of the five-pointed star J and the corner Q of the square. I As soon as a point of the indicator-device B is set to point to a color-tone displayed upon the color-dial A, then there is indicated. by a second point of the indicator-device B, the

the point C of color which harmonizes 0r combines with the selected color-tone to produce or effect a double blend or harmony; or, as the case may be, there are indicated, by a second and a third point of the indicatordevice B, or by a second, a third and a fourth point thereof, the colors which combine or unite to form, together with the selected or predetermined color-tone, a triple blend and a quadruple blend or harmony, respectively. Since each color has its exact position on the color-dial or on the color-circle (no matter according to what distribution or classification conformable to laws of color), the indicator-device based upon the same cyclic system indicates precisely the colors that belong together in forming a harmony or blend of colors.

The following examples" permit me to showhow, with the hereinbefore-described apparatus (according to the three-color theory), there may be found colors that blend or harmonize. There are ascertained or found: 5

(a) The three primary colors (triple blend), by setting the point C of the sixpointed star at 96 (red); then the point D stands at 32 (yellow) and the point E at 64 (blue). The three stretches or distances, from point to point or between colors, are each an arc-equal to one third the circumference, or thirty-two numbers or divisions, in length.

(b) The three secondary colors, complementary or supplementary to the three primary colors (triple blend), by likewise setting the point C at 96. Then the pointF stands diametrically opposite 96 (red) at 48 (green), the point G diametrically opposite 32" (yellow) at 80 (violet) .and the point H diametrically opposite 64' (blue) at 16 (orange). The three intervals between the secondary colors are in length, to a third of the circumference or thirty-two numbers or divisions.

(0) The six tertiary colors, while the point C is, left standing at 96 and one reaus ofi' he'colors indicated by the prolongation of theradial linesforming the central bundle of rays V; or else by setting the point .C- at 8- (red-orange-red). In the latter case,

the points H, D, F, E G, willlikewise stand advanced by eight numbers or divisions each, to theright, or at 24 (yellow-orangeye ow), 40' (yellow-greenyellow), 56 (bluegree -blue), 72 (blue-violet-blue), and 88 (red-violet-red), respectively. The six sixth of a circumference or sixteen num or divisions.

Color blends or harmonies formed fromagain each equal,

-.lengths or intervening stretches are each one hereinbefore-mentioned groupings or combinations (triple blends and sextuple blends), may be ascertained by the rotation ofthe indicator-device to the right arid'the positioning of the point C at one of the sectors embracing the divisions 1 to 7, 9 to 15, etc. By this manipulation, there are obtained, for example: e.

The triple blends or harmonies, 1, 33, 65; 12, 44, 76; 29, 61, 93.

The sextuple blends or chords, 1, 17, 33, 49, 65, 81; 12, 2s, 44, 60, 76, 92; 29, 45, 61, 77, 93, 13.

The corresponding intervals are each equal to or of the circumference, re-- spectively, that is to say, to 32 and 16 di visions, respectively.

By bisecting'each of the six arcs that extend successively from tertiary color to tertiary color around the circular color-disk A there is determined a series of twelve colors (i. e., tints, tones, shades), the interval between each of which and the one immediately following it is one-twelfth of the circumference or periphery of the disk A, or, in the particular case taken (Fig.1), eight divisions. To these twelve colors or tones, I have given the name, quaternary colors or tones. I

Again, by, bisecting each of the twelve arc intervals that intervene between or separate ,the quaternary colors or tints, there is ascertained a series of twenty-four colors or tones between each of which and the one immediately following (or preceding) it in the series there exists a space or stretch equal to one twenty-fourth of the circumference of the disk A' or four divisions as illustrated in Fig. 1. These twenty-four colors are designated by me as quinternary co ors.

Stillfurther, by halving each er the twen ty-four arcs that lie between these quinte 'rnary colors, there is'defined a series of forty-eight colors or tones each equidistant from the adjacent ones in the series by one forty-eighth vof the circle or twov divisions marked on the disk A. These forty-eight colors or shadesare called by me sexternary colors" or shades.

While. I have used the terms,- tints,

tonesf shades, in the immediately preceding explanation of the colorsof the disk colors that is to say, colors unmixed or and quintuple color chords are found by) means of the arrow U or the pointer of the diamond P and the pentagonal star J, etc.

The color harmonies that may be needed,

may not, however, always be composed of or formed by pure colors, as has been assumed in the foregoing explanation and the illustration of Fig. 1. In order, with theappa ratus, to be able to group or place together,

in harmonies or blends, modifications of the pure colors, as well, it is only necessary to arrange, on the-color-plate, bytheside of the pure colo'rs, modifications thereof also,

formed or produced by clouding or dimming K the same with white, black and gray. Fig. 3 shows such a color dial. The'pure colors are disposed in the circle I, this time divided into 24 juxtaposed'tones. In the concentric inner circles II, III and IV the derivatives shaded with gray are arranged in three depths or gradations, so that the shad ingincreases ordeepens from depth II to depth III and on to depth IV. 11? the circles V,-V I, VII which.- follow radially on circle I outwardly, are 'disposedthe derivatives shaded with white in three depths or gradations, so that the reduction in depth or lightening, of the shading proceeds from inside towards outside; Then follow concentrically the circles VIII, ,IX, and X with the derivatives shaded withv black-in three depths or gradations, the depth of the shed ing increasing outwardly. disposed beside each other in the circle are therefore the sectors of tone equality.

'With a dial arranged in such a manner it ispossible to combine by aid of the above described indicator system harmonies both of the pure colors and of and in the circles ,of their derivatives, By setting the point C to a given color the sectors or tone equivalents are found which correspond to the. kind or species of harmony, whereupon the stages of the sectors .thus found to harmonize may be combined in any variations, so that it is not necessary to select colors of unshaded with, for example, black and the same color circles; on the contrary, it

ing the intervals existing between or separating the colors of the triplc blends, there may be determined or found the groups of is possible toco mbine or. group in blends or harmonies,'colors of various color circles according to the effect desired (cheerful,

austere, gay, quiet, 'etc., effect). When it has thus been found, that the diametrally opposite rows of sectors W and Xharmon ize in adouble chord, this will be the case for every shade of the one sector W with reference to all shades of the other sector X and vice versa, and all these shades may be combined in double chord with each other according to the desired effect. The same is also the case with the sector rows, which inches. The indicator'system may then still be of a continuous, closed or endless form, I

say an endless band, or it may also be of the form of a rule and with a beginning and an end. In order that also here one single setting should permit finding a harmonious color combination, the indicator is composed of two abutting indentical halves, each of the total length of the colordial, and each of these halves is divided longitudinally in as many sections, as harmonies are to be found. According to the type ofindicator employed, these two halves are combined to form an endless'band, or to a rule-like slide of twice the length of the color dial. or consist of two separate rules, slidable either in positive relation or independently.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the colors are distributed in 24 tones on a rule-like plate a from left to right next to each. other, and each tone is divided into superimposed shades. This subdivision is variable according to the purpose of the device. Beneath the dial a is disposed an endless band 6, which is twice as long as the full length of the dial a. This endless band is passed around the edges'of the dial, extended downwards and may be shifted thereon by means of a knob c. The length of the indicator band, corresponding to the length of the dial is longitudinally divided in as many equal parts, as there are harmonies to be found with aid of the device. With the device as shown double, triple, quadruple, sextuple, octuple and duodecimal chords may be found. Accordingly the indicator band is divided across the length of the color dial in halves, thirds, etc., and, the corresponding. dividing lines are marked 'with the respective numbers, 22; 3.3.3;

4,4,4,4; etc. The second half of the band, not seen in the drawing, is divided and marked in exactly the same manner. When, now, it is desiredto-find for the color tone column d in ,Fig. 4 a double chord, any of the indicator marks 2 visible.on the band I) is set to the column d, as shown in Fig. 4. All colors then visible over the second 2-1nark of the band in the color column e will harmonize in double chord with the initial color. If a triple chord is sought for any color in this column, the 3-mark is set to it, and all colors of those columns above the other visible 3-marks, viz, columns f and will then be in triple chord with the initial color. By such means it is possible to find for each color of the color dial other colors harmonizing with it in double or multiple chord. When the band I) is moved, those marks will appear at the one end, which disappear at the other end, owing to the two halves of the band being identical. Therefore for each position of the band all necessary indicator marks will be visible for the possible harmonies.

For facilitating the moving of the band I), the edges of the dial a may also be provided with rollers h and i. i

In the form shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the body a carrying the color dial is arranged in the same manner as according to Fig. 4. The indicator is, howeveryhere made in form of a sliding bar In, for which a sort of guide is provided in the dial body a, the same as with sliding rules. The slide in is twice as long as the color dial and is divided into two abutting, identical halves, which are divided in the same manner as the indicator band according to Fig. 4. The operation is correspondingly the same as with the device according to Figs. 4 and 5. When, for example, a double, triple or quadruple chord is to be found for a color from column 1, a 2- 3- or 4- mark of the slide it is set beneath this color, and over the corresponding marks of the slide within the dial a the columns are read, the colors of which harmonize in the desired chord. So, for example, the colors of column Z correspond in double chord to those of column m those of columns a and o to them in triple chord, and those of columns 1), q and m in quadruple chord, etc.

For rendering the device according to Figs. 6 and 7 more handythe long sliding The devices according to 4, 5 and.

6, 7, respectively, may also be arranged in a manner contrary to that described, in so far as the color dials may be slidable with reference to the indicator, and be twice as long as the latter and composed of two identical halves. Also a curved, sectorlike form is possible in place of the rectilinear form according to Fig. 6. The indicator band or slide may also be made of transparent material and disposed or slidable directly over the colors.

In place of the subdivision of the colors into 96 or into 24 tones, any other subdivision may be as well be chosen; Also the number of mixed derivatives of the pure colors may be chosen at will. Furthermore the color dial may be disposed after any color s stem, as, forexample, on the four color t eory. All these variations are immaterial with regard to the principle of the invention.

Neither it it necessary that the colors be disposed on the device itself. But the term, color-designations, used herein is to be taken in a sense broad enough to include the colors themselves, as well as numbers or letters designating the same. The colors ma be arranged on sheets or the like separate irom the device and correspond in their series and marking to the numbers or letters on the .num ers (or letters) refer with precision.

device Then only the numbers or letters of the indicator position are read on the dial, and the desired colors will be found under the same markingson the color sheets. Furthermore, there may, by the side of such numbers (or letters), be indicated or suggested faintly or in small patches or areas on the apparatus, the colors belonging to or designated by the numbers (or letters) respectively, for the purpose of a, sup erficial orientation or rough approximation gotten by a cursory view; the exact determination of the color-tones would be made, however, only from a separate accom anying' table or list, to which the The apparatus hereinbeforedescribed is, by reason of the abundance and diversity of the colors presented, suitable both for training purposes and also for practical usein trade, art and business and in professional, mercantile and private life, to which itwill. be found to be particularly well adapted.

By suitable modification, even a colorblind person may, with the changed apparatus, be put in a position to bring tother harmonious combinations of colors.

ince the apparatus functions with mathe-- matical exactness, the colors belonging together to form acolor blend or harmorfy .passing judgment upon the colors themselves. The apparatus discloses to him, in every. case, the, correct colors, as the same .belong or group themselves according to the law of. color-harmony Instead of imprinting, impressing or stamping the geometric figures (the sixpointed and five-pointed stars, the square P and the bundle of rays V) on the indicatordisk B, these figures maybe made on sepa rate pieces of material and these pieces may be pasted or otherwisesuitably afiixed upon -the disk B, in their proper relative positions and one over the other.

It is to'be understood that the term, markings as used in the claims hereinafter appended, is not to be taken'in a restricted sense as meaning, for example, only numerals, spch as the numerals 1 to 96, inclusive that are shown at the periphery of the disk A, Fig. 1; but this term is intended to include any markings by which the colors may be identified.

1. A device having markings for determining at one viewing a multiplicity of harmonious, color-combinations, including a color-chartprovided with markings for a multiplicity of such color-combinations; and an indicating member movably mounted relativel to the color-chart and arranged with respect thereto to point out thereon a simultaneously observable multiplicity of harmonious color-combinations comprising multiple harmonious color-combinations.

2. A device having markings for determining at one viewing a multiplicity of harmonious color-combinations, including a color-chart provided with markings for a multiplicity of harmonious color-combinations and having displayed upon it a multitude of colors; and an indicating member -movably mounted relatively to the colorchart and arranged with respect thereto to point out thereon a simultaneously-observable multiplicity of harmonious color-com-- I binations comprising multiple harmonious color-combinations; the size and shape and mounting of the indicating member relatively to the color-chart permitting all the colors displayed thereon to be readily viewed as an entirety in everv operative position of the indicating mem r.

3. A device for quickly finding h armonious color combinations, comprising a chart having pure colors and their derivatives as well as mixed colors and their derivatives arran d thereon in accordance with the laws of color harmony, and an indicator inov'ably connected thereto and consisting ofa number of concentric equilateral geo-v metrical-figures, each of said figures hav-" ing one of its corners pointing in the same direction with the others. I

4. A device for quickly finding harmonious color combinations, comprising a chart having colors and their derivatives arranged thereon in accordance with the -laws of color harmony, and an indicator movably connected thereto and consisting of a number' of concentric equilateral geometrical figures, all of said figures being arranged In testimony whereof I have hereunto set upon one indicator member and havingone of my signature in the presence of two sub- 1 their corners pointing; in the same direcscribing witnesses.

tion; the size and arrangement of the in- 5 dicator relative to the chart permitting all HERMANN TANNER.

the colors thereon to be readily viewed as Witnesses: an entirety in ever operative position of FRIEDRICK LUTz,

the indicator. a M. MULLER. 

